Halllllllo everyone, first post. I've been looking at carputers for about a week now and I decided after a few days that I too want a carputer like many of you drivers out there. I have no experience in making my own PC or audio installations. I don't know what to do to install a car PC into my car, but I do know that a main PC system and a monitor (preferably in-dash/lcd) is needed, but thats about all I know. I have an 04 Accord Coupe and about $425 to spend...

Any suggestions would be very much appreciated. Thanks for the time to read this. :cool:

07-29-2004, 02:06 AM

Jimbuh10

I am mainly going to use the Car PC for Mp3 and Navigation.. does navigation require to purchase one of those GPS receivers? :mad:

07-29-2004, 02:10 AM

jonoc

I'm sure there are some more experienced people here who can fill you in on all the details regarding what is necessary to run a computer from your car. I'm still in the early stages of my first job.

I can answer the navigation question for you: yes you need to buy a GPS receiver to find the satelites (sp?).

07-29-2004, 02:21 AM

Jimbuh10

thanx, what gps receiver is good, or at least decent?

07-29-2004, 02:28 AM

Nic

if you are new to audio installations and PC's you have a lot of research ahead of you before attempting something like this, i browsed the forums for a couple of months before i went ahead, and that is with a decent knowledge of computers and car stereo installations. $425 isnt enough add up all the prices for youself, power supply, motherboard, RAM, (CPU if you dont buy a via epia mini) HDD, cdrom/dvd, LCD, GPS dongle, then you have to work out which approach you are taking to play the music through your speakers.

07-29-2004, 02:42 AM

dannn

if you already have a few of the major parts then 425 is enough to at least get you started.

but from scratch, no.
you will need at least a grand.

i was lucky and i almost had everything needed to build my setup. all i needed was a screen and wires. i had a laptop and powersupply etc.

do a lot of research. just plan everything out carefully.

07-29-2004, 03:05 AM

Jimbuh10

well... i already have my own sound system installed.. also a stronger car battery put in.. does that help in any way?

07-29-2004, 03:56 AM

dannn

yes it does.

you need at least a screen and a cpu to get started.

07-29-2004, 04:07 AM

Jimbuh10

okay, ill get back to this thread after i buy an lcd screen + thin cpu that fits under my seat.

07-29-2004, 09:56 AM

proTONEd

Maybe you could look into some palm solutions or so.
But if you are planning on taking this seriously, you will probably need a bigger budget. Unless you already have a lot of computerparts laying around.

So if you are going to take it seriously, plan the whole build and do a lot of reading first. Otherwise you might regret having made some purchases. And eventually the project will cost you even more.

for a basic install you need:

Power source:
- special DC-DC power solutions for in the car (most power efficient)
like an OPUS, Carnetix or PW + ITPS combo

- or power inverter + regular PSU

PC
You will need a complete PC.
Best would be if it is low-power (easier on your battery)
This is one of the main reasons why a lot of people on this forum use VIA EPIA mobo.

Screen

Input
Keyboards and mouse are no good in a car, so you'll need something else, one of these things:
- touchpad
- touchscreen
- keypad
- remote
- ...

Software

Wiring

Audio setup
- you can hook up your PC straight to an AMP

- or you can hook it up to your HU
- directly via an AUX on your HU
- if you have no AUX, you can use a FM modulator